If you’re aged 45 to 74, doctors want you to do the free bowel cancer screening test
Doctors are reminding Victorians from the Vietnamese community who are aged 45 to 74 to screen for bowel cancer every 2 years.
This is because bowel cancer is common in the Vietnamese community. It can develop even if you have a healthy diet, an active lifestyle and no family history.
Victorian doctors are asking people in the Vietnamese community aged 45 to 74 to participate in bowel screening to reduce their risk of bowel cancer.
Bowel screening is really important for your health. Doctors across Victoria want everyone who is eligible to do the test as soon as they receive it in the mail, even if you feel healthy. Don’t wait for symptoms to take the test, it could save your life.
Cancer Council Victoria is launching a campaign to remind Victorians from Vietnamese-speaking communities that they could be at risk of bowel cancer following low participation rates in many multicultural communities.
Research from the Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer reveals that people from some multicultural communities know less about bowel cancer and bowel screening and may hold misconceptions that make them feel less at risk of developing bowel cancer than the general population. They also worry more about the accuracy of the test and lack confidence to complete it. 1
Finding early signs of bowel cancer is important because over 90% of bowel cancers can be successfully treated if found early.
Head of Screening, Early Detection and Immunisation Kate Broun said it was important to build awareness of bowel cancer and participation in bowel cancer screening amongst multicultural communities.
“Everyone aged 45 to 74, including those from Vietnamese communities, needs to do a bowel screening test,” Ms Broun said.
“You may have no signs or symptoms and feel healthy, but you could still have bowel cancer, and this cancer screening test can save your life.
“We know some people may not be aware of their risk of bowel cancer, but sadly anyone can be diagnosed with this disease regardless of where you come from or your family history.”
In Australia, people aged 50 to 74, will receive a free bowel screening test in the mail every two years from the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.
People aged 45 to 49 can request their first bowel screening kit to be mailed to them through the National Cancer Screening Register by calling 1800 627 701 or visiting the website.
All eligible people aged 45 to 74 can also ask their doctor about getting a free test kit.
The test is quick, clean and easy, and doing it could save your life.
For more information on bowel screening that is tailored for the Vietnamese-speaking community visit this website.
About Cancer Council Victoria
Cancer Council Victoria is a non-profit cancer organisation dedicated to world-leading cancer research, prevention, and support since our establishment in 1936. Our mission is to prevent cancer, empower patients and save lives. Find out more at www.cancervic.org.au
Call the cancer information and support line on 13 11 20 to speak to our compassionate and experienced cancer health professionals. The line is open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday, and is available to anyone affected by cancer – those diagnosed, family, friends, and carers.
Reference
- Wyatt, K. Nuss, T. Jones-Ellis, L. Jinnette, R. Broun, K and Durkin S. . Communication needs for lowering the age of eligibility to participate in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program: Research Insights Report. Centre for Behavioural Research in Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria: Melbourne, Australia, February 2025.
